Brown has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, but the former Manchester United man has featured in Sunderland's last three games.

The 34-year-old started in the club's shock 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday and produced an impressive display, and Poyet wants him to remain available.

The Black Cats boss told the Sunderland Echo: "I respect the medical staff and when I got here, we had everyone fit which was impressive.

"I said to them that I'll follow them. If they tell me that Wes needs a rest, then I’ll go with them.

"But we talk to the player and he has a big input into that as well. Whether it's Wes, [Steven] Fletcher or Phil [Bardsley] – who have been the ones who've had the problems – it's important to have that communication with them."